Before the start of the 2016-17 NBA season, the Los Angeles Lakers had to trim the roster to a maximum of 15 players. Although it appeared the team would part ways with Thomas Robinson or Metta World Peace for the final spot, the Lakers brass made a surprising move to waive Anthony Brown.
Shortly after being waived by the Lakers to set the final roster, Brown was taken No. 1 overall in the NBA Development League Draft by the Erie BayHawks. Now it appears Brown is about to get another shot at playing on the NBA level with the New Orleans Pelicans on the verge of signing the Stanford product, according to ESPN’s Marc Stein:
The Pelicans are closing in on the signing of former Lakers guard Anthony Brown out of the @nbadleague, according to league sources
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) November 20, 2016
During his time with the Lakers, Brown never really lived up to expectations. The 24-year-old guard/forward was thought to be the ideal “3-and-D” player for Los Angeles. Unfortunately, Brown was inconsistent and eventually lost his roster spot with Robinson and World Peace proving to have more value for new head coach Luke Walton.
Despite being unable earn a roster spot with the Lakers this season, Brown still has the potential to be a decent role player in the NBA. The Pelicans, who are desperately trying to turn around after a dismal start to the season, will likely give Brown an opportunity to show talents.
In 29 games for the Lakers last season, Brown averaged 4.0 points and 2.4 rebounds per game while shooting 31 percent from the floor and 28.6 from beyond the arc.